Minister’s statement on anniversary of the Agricultural Land Reserve

Apr 20, 2023

Pam Alexis, Minister of Agriculture and Food, has issued the following statement in honour of the 50th anniversary of the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR):

“Fifty years ago, British Columbians had the vision to protect our province’s food security by establishing the Agricultural Land Reserve and it has never been more important than it is today. We depend on the ALR for the food on our tables and we depend on it to support farming families and businesses in communities all over our province.

“The ALR was formed in 1973 by people who saw the need and the value of preserving farmland for food production. That need hasn’t changed. Today’s farmers use the land differently than the generations before them did. They have technology at their fingertips and manage their farms from phones and fields. The importance of preserving farmland so future generations can enjoy fresh and local ingredients remains as true today as it was 50 years ago.

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Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.